sadly, i didn't get [what i wanted most of all] a puppy for christmas...sob...maybe at some point this year i will be able to manage my life, work and home so that i can share some doggy love....otherwise i shall feel rather peeved...like so...

having had a dog (the wonderful Boo, a crazy black Heinz 57 pooch) in this flat, and with a 9-5 job, i wouldn't want to leave another one on its own for so long...so i know that things need to change before i can welcome another four-legged friend into my life...but as soon as i do...i know i will be immeasurably happier.

my christmas was pretty quiet because i decided to stay in London, to just see a few friends and mostly chill at home. i spoilt myself on christmas day with my favourite brunch of eggs royale and after a bike ride and wander round the still snowy Roundwood Park to watch the sunset, followed by a visit to a friend nearby, i was at home in the evening for some christmas telly viewing and speciality cheese from Wholefoods, yum.

of course, deciding to do it on the quiet meant that presents were thin on the ground on the big day - but i was delighted with my brother's gift - a large white ceramic bowl with coral or reindeer antler-like shaped edging - totally stunning. my folks were visiting my sick grandparents in Wales for christmas and boxing day so i wasn't able to see them till yesterday when we exchanged gifts and had lunch together.

sadly i'm feeling a bit crook today (finally caught the dreaded winter bug going round) but despite having a runny nose, sore throat, earache and coughing non-stop - i am enjoying another blissful day in PJs. this morning i had a lovely cup'o'joe made by eeeeeeevaaaah my coffee-bot, some toast and marmite (from my special pot with silver engraved lid) and relaxing on my supersoft Kate Jenkins cushion - all lovely pressies from the folks. i am such a lucky girl!

now to start planning New Year's ...am thinking of heading down to the Tabernacle for their big bash with Dreadzone and Jerry Dammers as i managed to bag a couple of freebies and its not too far to weave home afterwards!

Monday, 27 December 2010

i have been trying to find out who painted this for ages...and flicking through the ads at the back of Vogue i finally find it...fantastic! i now know that it is called "Saw Ohn Nyun" and is by Sir Gerald Festus Kelly. there are indeed two additional versions that i have also found (so far, i have a feeling there are several more); "Burmese Pearl" (girl in yellow sarong) and "Burmese Silk" (girl in pink sarong) and the sitter for these portraits was sister-in-law of the Rajah of Thi-Pawin Burma.

they are so beautiful, but so sad....i am definitely going to get a print...now which one?!

Tuesday, 21 December 2010

wow...check out these supercool rugs spotted via lost at E minor - if i thought it would last longer than five minutes without something being spilled on it i'd buy Europe! tho i am liking the flower fields of the Netherlands also...Africa wouldn't even last as long as it takes to walk in the door, with the dirt of London town on my feet...gorgeousness....mmmm....

Monday, 20 December 2010

spotted via wooster collective is this amazing plastic bag monster in Ljubljana, Slovenia. as Wooster reports:
"Together with Ekologi Brez Meja (ocistimo.si), Lukatarina and Eco Vitae we collected 40,000 used plastic bags and 7,500 used plastic cups from 12 kindergartens, 21 primary schools, 4 high schools and 3 faculties from the city of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and from more than 500 people from Ljubljana.
Plastic Bag Monster from Kongresni trg spreads its plastic tentacles through the streets of Ljubljana. It symbolizes the spreading of the consumerism and waste segregation. The monster itself has adjusted to the environment and therefore survived. It is supplanting us from the food chain. It just might succeed and it’s all up to us. It is reproducing with inconceivable speed and knows no mercy. It feeds on individuals’ sloth and irresponsibility."... The Miha Artnak

despite the media hoopla - we are not all that bovvered about the upcoming royal nuptials between Wills & Kate - the best thing will be the day off. love that fab KK outlet have come up with some hilarious commemorative plates - available in January at the store - as seen via The London Design Festival.

spotted this gorgeous guest house on style files where the owner has converted an old mirror factory into a stunning bed & breakfast. i have close ties with Brussels as a dear friend lives there and i have visited often over the years and made many lovely new friends. there's always a bit of a joke that Brussels isn't the most exciting place to visit - though with fab shopping, scrumptious eating and places like this to stay in - i think that's a misconception. even tho i know i will always have a place to stay there - i quite like the idea of booking this place out, bringing a bunch of friends over and having a weekend away in this place...hmmm...maybe the birthday next year...better start planning!